Use the ArcMap Buffer Wizard to create an inside buffer for a polygon

Summary

The ArcMap Buffer Wizard allows the creation of buffers inside a polygon as opposed to the typical outward buffer. This is useful for creating features such as setbacks. The instructions provided describe how to use the Buffer Wizard to create a single inside buffer for a polygon.

Procedure

Use the following steps to add the Buffer Wizard to a toolbar and create an inside buffer.

1. Add the ArcMap Buffer Wizard to a toolbar:
   1. Click the Customize menu and click Customize Mode.
   2. In the Customize dialog box, click the Commands tab, and in the Show commands containing box field, type Buffer Wizard.
   3. The Buffer Wizard icon appears in the Commands window of the wizard. Drag this tool to a toolbar in ArcMap.

2. With the Buffer Wizard tool docked to a toolbar, click the icon to launch the tool.
3. Select the layer containing the polygon to be buffered. Click Next.

4. Select the At a specified distance option, select the number of distance units for the buffer to extend into the polygon, and select the desired units of distance, for example, kilometers. Click Next.

5. In the last step of the wizard, under Create buffers so they are, select the option only inside the polygon(s).

6. Finally, specify an output shapefile or feature class and click Finish.